Section Image

About Upland, CA

About Upland, CA

San Bernardino city at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains

Whether called ‘The City of Gracious Living’ or the ‘Gateway to the Inland Empire,’ Upland is a growing community located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Centrally located in San Bernardino County, the city offers a historic downtown, multiple green spaces and easy access to Los Angeles. “Upland’s location is a major draw. It’s close to good schools, Interstate 10, and outdoor hiking. New warehouses are being built in the surrounding cities, and more and more clients are coming from Los Angeles,” says Alex Ortiz, a Realtor and team leader with Re/Max Time Realty who’s been selling in the area for 20 years. The once sparsely populated area was incorporated in 1906 and is now home to nearly 79,000 people, according to the 2020 census. One million new residents are expected within the next decade.

Carousel Image
Historic downtown Upland has been revitalized and contains over 200 boutiques, and eateries.
Carousel Image
Upland is centrally located in San Bernardino between State Highway 210 and Interstate 10.
Carousel Image
Allegro is one of the many restaurants in Upland's historic downtown.
Carousel Image
There are several parks and green spaces and places to hike in Upland.
1/4

Historic downtown, shopping centers and dining on Route 66

Upland acts as a shopping haven for the Inland Empire. Historic downtown Upland has been revitalized over the past decade and contains over 200 boutiques, eateries and entertainment venues. Designated the Old Town Historic District, the area hosts the Downtown Upland Farmers Market every weekend. Colonies Crossroads stretches nearly four blocks and has brand-name big box stores, as well as over a dozen restaurants. Mountain Green Shopping Center is anchored by craft, furniture and grocery stores. Upland Town Square is located on historic Route 66, just north of Upland High School, and contains a Sprouts Farmers Market. Route 66 also gives access to the city’s dozens of restaurants that range from quick service and fast casual to locally owned mom-and-pop spots. International cuisine from Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean line this thriving corridor.

Carousel Image
The selection of produce is varied at Sprouts Farmers Market in Upland
Carousel Image
The locally sourced fruit is hard to pass up at the Upland Farmers Market.
Carousel Image
Upland Old Town Historic District has many boutique shops and is a walkable area.
Carousel Image
You'll find unique eateries and shops in Upland's Historic OId Town, like Rad Coffee.
1/4

Parks, trails and citrus festivals

The city oversees 20 green spaces. Baldy View Park has a 5-acre dog run with shade structures, drinking fountains and play equipment. There’s also a playground and grilling area. San Antonio Park features a historic railway station that’s been converted into a museum. Athletic fields, a playground and a large gazebo attract people year-round. McCarthy Park has horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, a fitness trail and a basketball court. It also has a playground with climbing structures and a wooden bridge connecting the play equipment. Cucamonga Creek Trail provides incredible mountain views for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. The pathway passes through various biodiverse areas and intersects multiple other trailheads. Mount San Antonio, locally known as Mount Baldy, is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, 10 miles north of Upland. Several trails lead to the summit, but a ski lift shortens the journey. Upland is home to the Cooper Regional History Museum. Located in a 1937 Art Moderne building, the institution preserves the culture and history of the region from the 1880s to the present day. The museum holds annual Christmas events in its courtyard. Started in 1997, the Upland Lemon Festival honors the town’s citrus growing past every April. In addition to live music, the three-day event features carnival rides, food competitions and Lemon Idol, a vocal contest.

Carousel Image
Cucamonga Creek Trail in Upland provides incredible mountain views.
Carousel Image
Residents of Upland has easy access to Mount Baldy for hiking, and cycling.
Carousel Image
There are several green spaces to bring your furry friend in Upland.
Carousel Image
Children love the playground at McCarthy Park in Upland.
1/4

Major employers and healthcare options

The city has transitioned from the citrus industry into healthcare, education and retail. Significant employers include San Antonio Regional Hospital, Upland Unified School District and The Home Depot. The Upland Chamber of Commerce works to attract businesses through its business assistance programs. The chamber’s website provides articles on applying for a business license and the required documentation. Upland has over a dozen medical centers, clinics and hospitals. Established in 1907, San Antonio Regional Hospital is the largest medical center in the city, with over 300 beds. It’s won numerous awards and accolades, including a Gold Plus designation from the American Heart Association for superior work in stroke care.

Carousel Image
Established in 1907, San Antonio Regional Hospital is the largest medical center in Upland.
Carousel Image
Upland has over a dozen medical centers, clinics and hospitals.
Carousel Image
Valencia Elementary School located in Upland sits in the foothills of San Gabriel Mountains.
Carousel Image
Experience a nurturing and enriching environment at Upland High School.
1/4

Tree-lined streets, established housing and views of Mount San Antonio

Upland’s housing was built in phases from the 1940s to the 1990s, although new homes are still being built throughout the city. Ranch-style houses and bungalows sit beside contemporary designs, condos and townhomes. Manufactured housing communities lie just off 13th Street, and homeowners all over the city take pride in their manicured lawns and tree-lined roadways. Most houses have views of Mount San Antonio, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains. “Everything has more bang for the buck here. People can purchase a good property for less than in Los Angeles County,” says Ortiz. In January 2024, Upland received a grant of $300,000 toward its 174-unit affordable housing project and broke ground on the “Towns on First” development in August of 2024. Homes sell for a median price of $800,000 after around 29 days, less than the national average of 44 days.

Carousel Image
Many homes in Upland have views of Mount San Antonio.
Carousel Image
Homes in Upland sell for a median price of $800,000 after around 29 days.
Carousel Image
Upland's housing was built in phases from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Carousel Image
Manufactured housing communities lie just off 13th Street in Upland.
1/4

STEAM-focused programs, language immersion and the U’College Academy

Over 10,000 students attend the Upland Unified School District’s 14 schools. Students from transitional kindergarten through high school graduation are given opportunities to learn foreign languages, attend STEAM programs and participate in arts courses. The district has award-winning sports teams, a nationally recognized band and an extensive career technical education program. Students can explore career pathways in architectural design, engineering, healthcare and computer science. The U’College Academy allows high school students to attend college classes while earning their diplomas.

Carousel Image
Magnolia Elementary provides a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for students.
Carousel Image
Pioneer Junior High School is populated by just over 700 students.
Carousel Image
Upland Junior High School offers a sprawling campus when viewed from above.
Carousel Image
Welcome to Pepper Tree Elementary School located in Upland, Ca.
1/4

Freeways, trains and Ontario International Airport

Upland’s central location in San Bernardino County makes it close to Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario and Claremont. Foothill Freeway bisects Upland, leading to San Bernardino and Pasadena. Interstate 10, also called the San Bernardino Freeway, takes people 38 miles to Los Angeles in under an hour or 5.5 miles to Ontario International Airport. Four miles of Route 66 pass through Upland, and Omnitrans bus route 83 takes people to the pedestrian-friendly downtown. Bike lanes line major streets, and the Upland Metrolink rail station is part of a line running from Los Angeles to San Bernardino. In 2022, commuters from Upland had a 30-minute one-way trip each day, slightly higher than the national average of 27 minutes. There’s traffic noise along the major roadways during busy travel times.

Sunny days, wildfire risks and low crime rates

The weather in Upland is generally sunny with low humidity. Its Mediterranean climate provides hot, dry summers and rainy winters. There are 17 to 21 inches of rainfall and 289 sunny days annually. There’s a greater risk of wildfires closer to the mountains due to more vegetation acting as fuel. The San Bernardino County Fire Department has three stations in Upland to help fight these blazes. The city also has 20 or more days of unhealthy air quality each year. People are advised to wear masks when outdoors during these periods. Upland has a lower violent crime rate than the national and California average. One in 285 people could experience violent crime in the city, while one in 200 could in the rest of the state. Property crime rates in Upland are slightly higher than the national average but less than the California average. One in 48 residents are likely to experience property crimes here, while one in 43 are likely to fall victim to theft or burglary throughout the state.

K.T. Phillips
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Michael Ng
Photography Contributed By
Michael Ng
Vladislav Sedykh
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh

Neighborhood Map

Upland by the Numbers

80,606
Population
$895K
Average Housing Value
26
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Upland, CA

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Floyd M. Stork Elementary
#1 Floyd M. Stork Elementary
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Sycamore Elementary School
#2 Sycamore Elementary School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Edison Elementary School
#3 Edison Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Pepper Tree Elementary
#4 Pepper Tree Elementary
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Chaparral Elementary School
#5 Chaparral Elementary School
A
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Jasper Elementary
#6 Jasper Elementary
B+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Magnolia Elementary
#7 Magnolia Elementary
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Valencia Elementary
#8 Valencia Elementary
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Valle Vista Elementary
#9 Valle Vista Elementary
B
Niche
8
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Pioneer Junior High School
#1 Pioneer Junior High School
A-
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Edison Elementary School
#2 Edison Elementary School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
El Roble Intermediate School
#3 El Roble Intermediate School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Alta Loma Junior High
#4 Alta Loma Junior High
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Serrano Middle School
#5 Serrano Middle School
B
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Foothill Knolls STEM Academy of Innovation
#6 Foothill Knolls STEM Academy of Innovation
B-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Cucamonga Middle
#7 Cucamonga Middle
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Ray Wiltsey Middle School
#8 Ray Wiltsey Middle School
C+
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Vina Danks Middle
#9 Vina Danks Middle
C+
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Claremont High School
#1 Claremont High School
A
Niche
9
GreatSchools
Alta Loma High
#2 Alta Loma High
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Upland High School
#3 Upland High School
A-
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Montclair High School
#4 Montclair High School
B
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Chaffey High School
#5 Chaffey High School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Hillside High School
#6 Hillside High School
C-
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Private Schools

Carden Arbor View School
#1 Carden Arbor View School
B
Niche
Faith Christian Academy
#2 Faith Christian Academy
Montessori Academy Of Upland
#3 Montessori Academy Of Upland
St. Joseph Elementary School
#4 St. Joseph Elementary School
Western Christian High School
#5 Western Christian High School

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.